A Day in the Park: Bartow Park

Bartow Park offers many amenities on its 90 acres, from softball fields to a remote control car track. But it doesn't, obviously, have a fancy name.

By MARY TOOTHMANTHE LEDGER

BARTOW | Bartow Park offers many amenities on its 90 acres, from softball fields to a remote control car track.

But it doesn't, obviously, have a fancy name. In addition to the generic "Bartow Park" label, the popular site is also known as "555." That's because the park is located on County Road 555, just south of West Main Street in Bartow.

But a fancy title is not required for folks in this area to enjoy the large park, where sports activities are frequent.

Joey Williams, city athletic superintendent, said there are soccer fields at Bartow Park, but mostly football is played there.

The park features lighted softball fields with three-tier bleachers at each field. There are also football and soccer fields.

There are three concession areas and two restroom locations.

Williams said the city recently revamped and enlarged the restrooms at the older building on site. "They put tile in them, made them look pretty," he said.

Visitors enjoy the park's 12 picnic tables as well, and make use of the barbecue grill and small pavilion areas.

Williams said the park is pretty much open all the time to the public, unless certain areas are reserved for special events. There is no charge to use the facilities.

More information about the city's parks can be found at www.cityofbartow.net/parksandrecreation. The site features information on all of Bartow's parks, a downloadable activity guide and contact information for city employees who oversee the parks. A map of the parking area can be found at www.cityof bartow.net/Modules/Show Document.aspx?document id=564.

[ Mary Toothman can be reached at mary.toothman@theledger.com or 863-802-7512. Her Twitter feed is @MaryToothman. ]